Alleppey“The Venice of the East”, a stunning city in God’s own country. With its emerald waterways, swaying coconut trees and serene houseboat cruises, it Kerala This destination has all the qualities to escape the winter. Here’s what you can do in this corner of India in December.

Alappuzha Beach

Alleppey’s coastline is as beautiful as its waterways. Visit Alappuzha beach, one of the best beaches in the state, to enjoy the cool breeze, sunset views and the historic ghat extending into the sea. If you want to get away from the crowds, Marari Beach, just a short distance away, lets you experience the best of Kerala coastal life. ‘Marari’, short for Mararikulam, takes its name from the nearby local fishing village. Here, you can explore the state’s fishing culture, walk on the golden sands of the beach, and even escape the hustle and bustle of city life for a while.

Embrace the backwaters at Kettuvallam

The backwaters of Kerala, a network of brackish lagoons and canals, are a must-visit to discover the state’s lush greenery and rich biodiversity. Best experienced on a traditional Kettuvallam houseboat, these trips offer freshly cooked Indian food, cold beer and a chance to relax. Choose between a day trip or an overnight stay to experience Kerala at its best.

Kayaking Adventure

For the active traveller, exploring the backwaters on a kayak offers a more intimate and intense experience. Paddle at your own pace, navigating through the maze of narrow canals. Travel companies like Nadodi Kayaking offer different tours, including a sunrise tour that takes you around a sleepy village and quiet houseboat on kayak before dawn.

This guided experience is an incredible and immersive experience to explore the many attractions of Kerala’s backwaters.

Kuttanad: The Rice Bowl of Kerala

Known as the ‘Rice Bowl of Kerala’, the lush green paddy fields of Kuttanad are a sight to behold in winter. It is one of the places in India where crops are cultivated below sea level. You can learn more about traditional farming practices by interacting with local people here, and explore this rural oasis, especially by boat or bicycle on scenic paths.

Also read: Kerala to declare 25 places in the state as ‘Green Tourism Destinations’

Ayurvedic Retreat

There are numerous Ayurvedic centers in Alleppey that offer innumerable relaxation and holistic wellness treatments. Many travelers often come to the city for a week-long stay at an Ayurvedic retreat as well as a city tour. One such retreat is Amal Tamara, a boutique property in Mannancherry village near Alappuzha that offers holistic treatments including Ayurvedic massage, meditation and personalized meals tailored to your body’s needs.

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